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The Little Organ That Does a Lot for Your BodyBy DG Bill ShuttersMD9 Diabetes Awareness ChairThe glucose-insulin system has two majorcomponents that maintain the needed level of glucosein the blood. One is the multi-functioned pancreas.Theother is the football shaped hepar.We know the hepar as the liver, which was viewedby the ancients as the center of the whole human being.This perspective was called Heptatocentrism. It wasthought that the soul and life resided there and it wasthe source of intelligence and all emotional and mentalactivity.In mythology some were tortured or punished bylosing their liver by various means.The Greek physician Galen thought the liver had thecentral role in the functioning of the human body as theorgan which took food from the gut and transformed itinto blood. For more than 1,000 years, Galen’s workswere considered authoritative.Slowly the liver lost its first place standing and waslisted as one of the three major organs, along with theheart and brain. Jecur or lecur are the Latin names forthe liver, but it goes by its Greek name Hepar, which isconnected to the concept of pleasure.The Greek physician Hippocrates first described aliver abscess in 400 BC. For the next 2,200 years, theliver was viewed as part of the digestive system.In 1848, Joseph Leidy of the United States publishedresearch on the comparative anatomy of the liver. Helater became professor of anatomy at the Universityof Pennsylvania. He was a leader in parasitologyand discovered the trichinella spiralis in pork. As apaleontologist, he proved that horses, lions, tigers,camels and rhinoceroses had a prehistoric presence inthe United States.The liver is a large meaty organ that is reddish brownin color and is rubbery to the touch. In an adult, the liverweighs 2-4 pounds. It is the second heaviest organ of thehuman body after the skin.It is about 5.7 inches in diameter and containsmultiple lobes. From the top it appears to have two lobes– the larger right and the smaller left, separated by aligament. From the bottom, it looks like it is composedof a number of lobes.It may be described as football shaped and sits to theright side of the abdomen, extending from the fifth rib tothe lower border of the rib cage.It holds about 13% of the bodies blood and accountsfor 20% of the body’s oxygen consumption.The working cells of the liver are called hepatocytes.The liver has over 500 functions. Some primaryfunctions of the liver are:1. Bile production and secretion. The liver produces800 to 1,000 milliliters of bile per day with thehelp of the gall bladder, which is directly underit. This greenish-yellowish fluid contains acid andcholesterol, which helps digest fats and vitamins inthe small intestine to prepare them for adsorption orelimination.2. Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones andenzymes. Red blood cells last for 120 days and thendisintegrate. The hemoglobin from the disintegratedblood cells breaks down into globin, protein, ironand heme. Heme eventually becomes a yellowpigment called bilirubin, which moves to the liverwhere it becomes more soluble, mixes with bile andis eliminated. The liver produces cholesterol fromsome fats and uses it to manufacture vitamin D,digestive enzymes and hormones. Excess cholesterolis combined with bile and eliminated.3. Metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.After the liver metabolizes fats, it turns unusedglucose into fatty acids. The body stores cholesteroland fatty acids in the liver. Too much extra fat cancause the liver to become fatty, which impairs itsfunction.4. Enzyme activation. The liver secretes hormones,which signal a chemical reaction to occur in anotherpart of the body. This may use an enzyme secretedfrom other glands or organs as a catalyst. It alsosecretes a number enzymes. Four of them are knownas ALP, ALT, AST, and GGT which are used todetermine the health of the liver. The liver is a vitalorgan because it supports every other organ in thebody.5. Synthesis of plasma proteins, albumin andclotting factors. Three types of plasma proteins andalbumin are the most abundant ones synthesized.Plasma proteins transport fats, vitamins, mineralsand hormones. They help maintain blood pH, bloodpressure and distribution of fluids between blood andtissue. The hepatocytes in the liver are involved inproducing nine of the 10 proteins called coagulationApril 2022 THE IOWA LION Page 4CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4factors.6. Storage of glycogen, vitamins and minerals. Theliver stores Vitamin A (1-2 year supply), Vitamin D(1-4 months); B12 (3-5 years); Vitamins K and E; aswell as iron, zinc, cobalt and molybdenum.7. Maintains normal blood glucose level. Theliver serves as the body’s fuel reservoir and helpsmaintain the circulating blood glucose level andother body fuel levels at a near constant level.The liver both stores and manufactures glucose,depending on the body’s need.8. Blood detoxification and purification. The liverremoves toxins from the body, including but notlimited to, pollution, fumes, alcohol, drugs andammonia. It accomplishes this through oxidationwith oxygen and liver enzymes. The results,combined with amino acids, are eliminated in thebile or urine.9. Fights infections. The liver mobilizes the Kupffercells, which reside in the liver. They are part of theimmune system’s white blood cells, which kill andconsume bacteria they encounter.10. Regeneration. The liver adjusts to the size of itshost. At times, a surgeon may need to remove a partof a diseased liver or one damaged due to trauma.If over 40% of the normal-sized liver remains, andthere are no complications, the liver may repair itselfin one month.The hepatocytes have the unique capacity toreproduce in response to liver injury and the liver is oneof the body organs most subject to injury. Some say theliver regenerates itself. It is not true regeneration, butcompensatory growth, since the function is restored butnot form.The regrown tissue looks different from the partremoved. This regeneration was known by the earlyGreeks. The first liver transplant was performed in 1963by Thomas Starzi from Le Mars, Iowa. He is known asthe father of organ transplantation.The Role of the Liver in Insuline-GlucoseI have discussed the role of the pancreas in theinsulin-glucose system in previous articles. I now wantto discuss the role of the liver.Insulin is secreted by the beta cells in the pancreas.Glucagon is a hormone secreted by the alpha cells in thepancreas. Glucagon controls the production of glucoseand another fuel, ketone, in the liver.There are other hormones besides insulin andPhoto 189564431 / Hepar Sirichaidreamstime Dreamstime.comglucagon that affect the glucose level in the body,such as amylin, pancreas; GIP and GLP, intestine;epinephrine and cortisol, adrenals; growth hormone,pituitary. The activity of the liver and pancreas dependson if you are eating or not eating.If you are eating, the glucose from the digested foodwill enter the blood stream. The pancreas will secreteinsulin but suppress the secretion of glucagon. Thehigh levels of insulin and suppressed levels of glucagondrives glucose into muscle, fat and the liver to storeglucose as glycogen for a later time when your bodyneeds it.The consequence is that the level of glucagon inthe blood stream falls. Unfortunately for a person withdiabetes the opposite occurs. While eating, little or noinsulin is present and their glucagon levels rise whichcauses blood glucose levels to rise after the meal.When you are not eating, especially overnight orbetween meals, the body needs glucose. Glucagon isreleased to signal the liver to turn its stored glycogeninto glucose in a process called glycogenolysis. Theliver can also manufacture the necessary glucoseby harvesting amino acids, waste products and fatbyproducts in a process called gluconeogenesis.When the body’s glycogen storage is running low,the body starts to conserve glucose for the organs thatrequire glucose or sugar. These include the brain, redblood cells, and portions of the kidneys.To supplement the limited glucose supply, the livermakes an alternative fuel called ketones from fats ina process called ketogenesis. The hormone signal forketogenesis is a low level of insulin. Ketones are burnedby the muscles and other body organs and the glucose issaved for the organs that need it.Gluconeogenesis? Glycogenolysis? Ketogenesis?These seem like big words for a spelling test from hell.But when you have diabetes, these processes can bethrown off balance. If you understand what is happening,you can take steps to remedy the situation.Diabetes education is an important component ofliving with diabetes.April 2022 THE IOWA LION Page 5

gaining advantage. Rather, it is about fairness andself-respect while respecting others.A Viewfrom the ChairTo remember that in building up my business itis not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyalto my clients or customers and true to myself. Honortruly comes through humility.Council Chair Bryan Bross1703 Grube St.Burlington, Iowa 52601319-572-4132bbross@iowalions.orgI wrote this article a few days after our springCouncil of Governors meeting. We’ve conducted mostof the business of your Multiple District at this point.Your district governors voted to move forward withdevelopment of redistricting plans to be placed on thebusiness agenda for the 2023 State Convention. Therewill be much more information to be disseminatedon this subject over the next 18 months, including awebsite, YouTube videos, and meeting presentations.While redistricting is not likely a sexy subject, wewant to hear from all interested parties, so we can getthe best plans developed for success. Stay tuned!We are again taking eyeglasses at the state office.Please note that only eyeglasses will be accepted.Items that should be discarded prior to donationinclude loose lenses, broken frames, cases, plasticnon-prescription sunglasses. Hearing aids are alsoaccepted, but we do not need batteries. Again, pleasediscard any batteries prior to donation.I previously noted that when I visited Lions clubsas a district governor, I would frequently end mytime sharing with the club about the Purposes, VisionStatement, and Mission Statement of Lions ClubsInternational. I shared my thoughts on our Vision andMission statements in October, and our “purposes” or“objects” over the past few months.This month I want to share about our Lions Codeof Ethics. My personal thoughts on these items are initalics.To show my faith in the worthiness of my vocationby industrious application to the end that I may merita reputation for quality of service. Believe in yourselfand your service, and others will look upon youfavorably.To seek success and to demand all fairremuneration or profit as my just due, but to accept noprofit or success at the price of my own self-respectlost because of unfair advantage taken or because ofquestionable acts on my part. Service is not aboutWhenever a doubt arises as to the right or ethics ofmy position or action towards others, to resolve suchdoubt against myself. Meekness is not weakness, butenduring injury with patience and without resentment.To hold friendship as an end and not a means. Tohold that true friendship exists not on account of theservice performed by one to another, but that truefriendship demands nothing but accepts service in thespirit in which it is given. Friendship is the highestreward given by another human being.Always to bear in mind my obligations as acitizen to my nation, my state, and my community,and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act,and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor andmeans. Patriotism is the emblem of citizenship, whichrequires selfless service.To aid others by giving my sympathy to those indistress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to theneedy. Showing empathy and compassion requiresthat we are self-aware.To be careful with my criticism and liberal withmy praise; to build up and not destroy. Criticism isconstructive when it is given carefully with the aim ofedifying others without degradation of their dignity.I’d be curious to hear your thoughts via email atbbross@iowalions.org.Finally, I want to encourage all readers of thispublication to consider getting involved in their zones,at the district level, and committees at the state level.One of the things I have learned during my time inLions and other service organizations is that our worldis clamoring for leaders to step forward.Whether it is in Lions or your church or PTO,leaders are needed. It’s not somebody else’s job. Ihope you will consider stepping up. You don’t needto know much, but your boldness and courage to leadwill be richly rewarded through the new relationshipsyou form.Come on! What are you waiting for? We’ve beenwaiting for you. You can start at the state convention.We hope to see you there in Ames in May. Let mehere you ROAR!April 2022 THE IOWA LION Page 6

Start from the EndBy PCC Terry L DurhamMD9 Global Leadership Team CoordinatorWhere do you want to be at the end of your year inLions, or in two years or three years?Too many spend their time busy with things thataren’t important in achieving their goals. Goals areyour destination in Lions or the end of your journey.If we do not have a goal, destination or vision, weoftentimes simply wander around, wasting time. Everystep we take simply may lead us to the wrong place.Often quoted by an unknown author, “In theabsence of clearly defined goals, we become strangelyloyal to performing daily acts of trivia.”When we have a clear vision of the end in mind,the steps we take will lead us in the right directionwithout needlessly wasting time or failing to achieveour objective. This means when we know ourdestination (goal) we must develop a plan of action toget us to there. Preparing meals or reading a map areexamples of thinking of the destination.Establishing a plan of action to achieve goalsrequires the plan to be specific regarding who, whatand when. Each step in the plan requires us to reachan objective before we move on. Who is going to dowhat and by when with what resources to achieve theobjective?Once we reach the objective in the plan, we moveon to the next, like climbing a ladder.Achieving goals often requires a team. How doyou lead your team? If someone asks your teammembers who was their best boss; would your namecome up? As a leader of your team, you must plan forcommunication, trust, and how to make it fun, andhow you treat others.Going through a year as a Lions leader withouthaving an end in mind is like going on a road tripwithout knowing your destination.How will you know when you get to yourdestination or result?When we can visualize our goals, it better preparesus to act; and we are better prepared to plan andcommunicate the goal’s purpose to team members.The Iowa Lion PRINTSUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORMFill out entirely - Print legiblySUBSCRIBING LION’S NAMEMAILING ADDRESSCITY/STATE/ZIPMake checks payable to Lions Clubs of Iowa andmail to:The Iowa Lion EditorDebbie DotyPO Box 251University Park IA 52595 35 for in Iowa / 40 for out of Iowa anytime duringthe year.LEADERSHIP AWARD. Past International Director Gary Fry(left) presents the 2021 G.E. “Bud” Klise Leadership Award toPast District Governor Jim Appleget.This is for the 2022-2023 Lions year. Orders mustbe recieved by July 10 for the first issue mailed tosubscribers in August 2022.April 2022 THE IOWA LION Page 7

We Serve from the HeartDistrict 9MCALTOONA collected pop can tabs for Ronald McDonaldHouse; donated an additional 2,000 to Caring HandsFood Pantry.District GovernorWilliam Shutters9807 Quail Ridge Rd.Urbandale, IA 50322515-326-0060washutters@gmail.comAMES BREAKFAST KidSight screened children at UCCISU Daycare.Great Plains Lions Leadership InstituteGreat Plains Lions Leadership Institute (GPLLI) is anintensive, professional and valuable leadership programfor Lions.You will learn skills for club, job, community andchurch, as well as personal development. If you are anaspiring club or district officer, GPLLI will give you thetools to easily master the job and have fun doing it.This year the institute will be July 29-31 at NorthwestMissouri State University in Maryville, Missouri. Theregistration fee is 220, but not a concern. District 9MCwill pay the registration fee for any 9MC Lion whochooses to attend.If you are a Lion or LEO who has attained majorityand have not attended a GPLLI in the past five years,and you want to improve your leadership skills, contactRegistrar PID Gary Fry at frygj35@msn.com foradditional information. You will be glad you did.Club Quality InitiativeIf you have made good progress in checking off theboxes on the Club Excellence Award application, or youhave made little progress, and you want to add somespice into the life of your club, go to Resources on theLCI website and search for Club Qualitive Initiative.Review the material and discuss with your board howyour club can use the CQI to add vitality to your cluband plan for its future.There are several Lions in District 9MC who can helpguide you through the process. Let me know how we canbe of assistance as you navigate the CQI. It will give youa whole new perspective on your club and how it canserve your community.In MemoriamJerry Britten – McCallsburgPhil Hildebrand – Pleasant HillAMES KidSight screened children at UCC ISU Daycare;donated 250 to Children’s Miracle Network ISU DanceMarathon; donated 100 to National Alliance for MentalHealth; donated 100 to Alzheimer’s Association;collected, cleaned and sorted 300 pairs of usedeyeglasses at the state office.BEAMAN held a blood drive with 19 communitymembers donating 33 blood products.DES MOINES SOUTH donated hotel toiletry in largeeyeglass cases to a homeless shelter; visited a memberin a long term care facility; donated 63 pairs of newwomen’s shoes to Hawthorn Hill women’s shelter.DYSART served a pancake breakfast to 102 people,raising 996.GRINNELL KidSight screened 42 children at GrinnellCommunity Early Start Program; prepared 560 bags offood for food insecure K-8th grade students in GrinnellSchool District.GRUNDY CENTER held a blood drive and had 39donors of whole blood and five donors of double redbenefiting 147 people; loaned seven items to fivehouseholds through the medical Library; collected 1300in pop cans and bottles; donated 500 to LCIF DisasterRelief Fund; and donated 500 to Grundy County Relayfor Life.JOHNSTON made and donated 130 cat and dog toys fora local animal shelter.LAUREL served a pancake and sausage breakfast to 60people.MARSHALLTOWN EVENING popped corn at Hy-Veeevery Saturday as a fundraiser; collected hearing aidsand used eyeglasses to recycle; delivered Meals onWheels one Sunday; donated 150 to Youth ShelterServices; donated 350 toward derecho repairs forRiverside Cemetery; provided an eye exam and glassesfor an individual; gave 50 to After Prom.NEVADA collected used eyeglasses; and recycledpaper.URBANDALE KidSight screened 21 children at St. PiusX school; packed and delivered 40 boxes of food forfood insecure families; and drove a member to and fromadult day care eight times.April 2022 THE IOWA LION Page 8

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTDysart Lions ClubThe Dysart Lions Club was chartered on the Feb. 20,1950, with 34 members sponsored by the Belle PlaineLions Club. At the 40th anniversary in 1990, there werestill two of the charter members active.Starting in 1951 the club hired Mrs. Mildred Peacheeto play dinner music at each meeting for the singingthat started the meetings. Mrs. Peachee, also known asMa Peachee, played for “her boys” for 39 years. Uponher retirement, the club presented her with a trip to TheGrand Ole Opry, something that she had always wantedto see.The club started early on letting the Dysartcommunity know they were going to be a very activegroup by starting their Beef Bar-b-cue, which was heldeach summer for about 20 years.During the first four years, the Lions erected thefirst enclosed shelter house in the Dysart City Park.A couple of years later, the club built another shelter,which was placed by the playground equipment. It hasalways been referred to as the open shelter. Since then,the club has built a tennis court and a basketball court inthe park. The last two park projects have been a largeLion drinking foundation by the playground and theconcession stand with a cooking area. One-third of theconcession stand building houses the athletic equipmentfor the summer ball games.In 1959, the Lions decided Dysart should have aswimming po

eyes. After the screening, I took her to an optometrist and she got glasses. She wore her glasses during her kindergarten year. She thought she didn't need them for first grade, so I let her go without them. She didn't seem to struggle last year without glasses. I recently took her back to her eye doctor. Her exam showed that she still .